My Spiritual Disciplines 

If I am understanding what Spiritual Disciplines are correctly, it can be any activity that you do to get you where you want to be with God.  For me personally, I am striving for a deep intimate relationship with Christ and live my life as close to His will and guidance as possible.  Knowing that this is a life long process and that we will never be just like Jesus, I am not trying to waste time and want to live out my potential.  As of right now my spiritual disciplines are not where I would like them to be due to my season in life now, I try to do what I can.  I try to take classes that are being offered every semester and I try to be involved with events that are helping people or children in need or that helps bring people to know Christ as their saviour as much as I can.  Everyday, I try to start out my day with reading my devotions, and praying. Whenever I get a chance I read some kind of book and/or activity that is God centered.  When I can I watch Joyce Meyer or other programs on TV.   Later on in the day, I sit down and read the word with my family.  I try to do whatever I can to be or learn to be Christ like, and have more knowledge of the Lord.    

Training vs. Trying 

The dictionary defines training as preparing oneself by practicing, learning, or drilling.  Trying is defined as to attempt to do something or to do the best you can.  The difference between the two is that by trying you are only attempting to do something.  Your mindset is different, you can conform to the idea of reaching a goal or not.  When you are training, your ultimate goal is to complete your task.  When you train you are more motivated and willing to do what it takes to reach your goal.  It also boils down to the worth you are putting on this goal or task.  How much does it mean to you?  That answer will determine where you are going to be with it…trying or training.  Something else that will determine whether you are going to try or train for something is by what you are willing to sacrifice, time, hobbies, TV, or whatever else.  If you are not willing to sacrifice, you are not going to reach your potential.   

For instance, lets say that I want to start going to the gym and lose weight and tone up as a New Year’s resolution.  If my mindset was in “trying mode”, I would start whenever, I wouldn’t be too much in a hurry.  I have decided to go to the gym three times a week, but because I am so tired after a long day, or because my favorite show is on TV tonight, I miss days here and there or wont do the whole routine that I need to do to reach my goal. I am still eating foods that I am not supposed to.  I have an attitude of “at least I am at the gym more that I was at all last year”.  If I was in “training mode”  I would be ready to start going as soon as I was able to, make sure that I went to the gym all the days that I planned to go, and also squeeze in a weekend aerobics session, I am eating healthy foods, and I am talking to a physical trainer to get more tips on how to reach my goal.   

We know what kind of mindset is more effective to reach any goals you have.  I am trying to be in “training mode” as much as I can, because there is nothing else that needs more attention or time that my relationship with God.  I am willing to do whatever it takes for however long  it takes. I know that with time I will be able to do more things, but right now I am trying everything I can.  You cant put a price on what God can do in you, but only if you are willing.